About Us

Sea Shepherd UK's Mission Statement

Sea Shepherd UK is a registered marine conservation charity whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife around the UK's coastline and across the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.

Sea Shepherd UK uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities commited against marine wildlife and habitats. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems, Sea Shepherd UK works to ensure their survival for future generations.

More about Sea Shepherd UK

Sea Shepherd UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charities Commission registration number: 1110501). The objectives of Sea Shepherd UK are to conserve and protect the UK’s and the world’s marine ecosystems, habitats and species. Sea Shepherd UK may also engage in conservation activities to protect freshwater habitats/species and provide support and funding to international marine conservation campaigns.

Sea Shepherd UK endeavours to accomplish its goals through public education, investigation, documentation and where appropriate (and where legal authority exists under international law or under agreement of national governments) to enforce conservation laws and prevent violations of the international treaties, laws and conventions meant to protect the oceans. It is also the Sea Shepherd UK’s goal to outreach to the UK public via talks, presentations and events to educate people about the importance of marine conservation.

Sea Shepherd UK currently manages a campaign called the ‘Seal Defence Campaign’ which started around mainland Scotland in April 2014, extended to Northern England, the Hebrides and Orkney Islands and Sea Shepherd UK is planning our third year of the campaign starting June 2016.

Sea Shepherd UK has also joined the ‘Great Australian Bight Alliance’ which is opposing the drilling by BP and other companies of the pristine waters of the Australian Bight – home to over 85 unique marine species and an important whale migratory route and nursery.

Sea Shepherd UK cooperates whenever possible with national and international law enforcement agencies. Sea Shepherd UK adheres to the utilization of non-violent principles in the course of all actions in the protection of the oceans. Sea Shepherd UK at times offers rewards for information leading to the successful conviction of individuals or groups for specific crimes against marine wildlife. Sea Shepherd UK operates (where UK laws and Charity Commission Regulations allow) in cooperation with the 'Sea Shepherd Movement' around the world and liaises with Sea Shepherd Global on campaigns outside of the UK.

Campaigns

Sea Shepherd has 39 years of defending ocean wildlife and just in recent years Sea Shepherd entities around the world have conducted campaigns on the following marine conservation issues: